Heater unit



Oct. 28, 1941. w. J. RUSSELL 2,260,793

HEATER mm:

Filed 001;. 20, 1939 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 wnuzssEs:

' r INVENTOR w. Miliam JRux-ell.

V BY V m Oct. 28, 1941. w. J. RUSSELL HEATER UNI T Filed Oct. 20. 1939 s Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR IA/2721002 J Rzxs'se/Z.

WITNESSES:

ATi'ORNEY Oct. .28, 1941. w. J. RUSSELL 2,260,793

HEATER UNIT Filed Oct. 20, 1939 3 Sheets-S bset 3 m, M I jiniiu'k;

WITNESSES:

v INVENTOR 2%; William J/Pusse/Z.

W BY

ATTORNEY .my copending application,

III-III of Fig. 1;

. a Fig. 6 is .a view taken Patented Oct. 28, 1941 PATENT. OFFICE HEATER um'r William J. Russell, Mansfield, Ohio,- assignor to Westinghouse Electric 8: Manufacturing Company, East Pennsylvania Pittsburgh, Pa, in corporation of Application October 20, 1939, Serial No. 300,363

8 Claims.

My invention relates to heating units and more particularly to an easily cleanable surface unit for electric ranges, and is an improvement over Serial No. 264,775, filed March 29, 1939, and assigned to the assignee of this application.

An object of my invention is to provide a range surface unit having a supporting pan structure which may be easily and readilyremovedgfor cleaning purposes.

A further object of my invention is to provide a range surface unit havingmeans associated therewith which may be easily grasped for'ready removal of the unit from. arange platform or the like.

Another object of my invention is to provide s. rangesurface unit including a pan structure and heating element having means for lifting and retaining such unit in an elevated position, the pan structure being adapted to support the unit and catch any extraneous matter passing beneath the element when the unit is in its normal operating position, and adapted to be easily removed for cleaning purposes when the unit is in an elevated position.

Other objects of my invention will either be pointed out specifically in the course of the following description of a device embodying my invention, or will be apparent from suchdescription.

In the accompanying drawings,

Fig. 1 isb. view partially in section and partially in elevation of a unit embodying my invention resting upon a supporting platform in its normal operating position;

Fig. 2 is a view similar toFig. 1 with the'unit in an elevated position upon the platform;

Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line Fig. 4 is a. perspective view illustrating the method of removingjthe supporting pan structure from the heating element; 7

Fig. '5.is a view partially in section taken along the line VV of Fig. 3;

along the line VI-VI of Fig. 1;

Figs. 7 and 8 are views partially in section taken along the line VIIVII of Fig. 3;

Fig. 9 is a side elevational view illustrating an additional method of retaining the unit in an elevated position and of removing the supporting pan therefrom;

Fig. 10 is a view similar to Figs. 1 and 2 illustrating amodifled method of supporting the unit 5 w I upon a. platform.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters indicate like parts in several figures, I show a range surface unit I!) including a. heating element H, a supporting pan structure it adapted tosupport the heating unit ID on a range platform, hot plate surface, or the like, I6, duringihanormal operation of such unit, an elevating supporting structure l8 adapted to support the unit above the -10. platform when it is desired to clean such unit,

andaT'liitingbracket which may be used to lift the unit out of the supporting platform.

The heating element l2, in this instance, comprises an open grid formed of two sheathed members arranged in a spiral in a well known man her. The sheathed members each comprises a resistor embedded within a suitable insulating member 22 and surrounded by a metal sheath 24 in a well-known manner. The insulatingma- 20 terial 22 is preferably magnesium oxide or the like and may be positioned within the metallic sheath or envelope 24 in a powdered form. The metallic sheath is formed of any suitable. inaterial'which will permit the heating element l2 5 to operate satisfactorily at a high temperature corresponding to redheat.

The sheath members are in this instance formed into two separate substantially concentric spirals and may be either of similar or varying wattages. The substantially concentric spirals are mounted in and attached to suitable radially extending transversely grooved supporting arms 25 in a well known manner. These arms 26 are adapted to sup-port the heating element 12 within the pan structure It in a manner hereinafter described.

. It is to be understood that the heating element l2 describedherein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings .is used primarily for illustrative purposes and other suitable heating elements may be used in lieu thereof.

The ends of tubular sheath members extend downwardly from the main plane of the heating element l2 and pass through a U-shaped terminal shield support bracket 28 and-a terminal shield 30 so as to cooperatively engage aninsulating terminal block 32 as hereinafter described. The U-shaped terminal shield supporting bracket 28 is in this instance formed from a single sheath of metal and is relatively narrow with respect to its length. The U-shaped support includes a. horizontally extending bottom 34 and upwardly extending end portion 36 located at either endthereof. Apertures 38 are located within the. horizontal bot m portion :4 to permit the depending and mediate outwardly extending intermediate ledge portions of the hea element if to pass there- It formed therein and an ou wardly U-shaped supporting bracket to the depending any other suitable manner. end portions of the element II. The upwardly The diametrically extendin slot ll extends extending end portions 38 ofsupport bracket 28 inwardly from one edge of the pan structure and are shaped substantially the Same as the up- 1 is located within both the bottom portion]! and standing walls of the pan structure ll hereina. single adjacent side portion II. The diametriafter described and have an outwardly extend-' cally extending slot 54 is slightly wider than the ing flange 42 located at the upper end thereof. upwardly extending main portion 44 of the ter- The flange l2 and upwardly extending end por- -mina1 shield ll so as to permit the pan structions 36 are adapted to rest upon and be subture to readily pas along such terminglshield stantially in juxtaposition -.with the side of the ll. pan structure H as hereinafter described. The outwardly extending intermediately posi- The terminal shield 3| is, in this instance, tioned ledge I is adapted'tosupport theheating formed from a single sheet of metal and has an element I 2 by means of the xtending upwardly extendin elongated hollow portion 44 2o arms 20. The ledge II is positioned within the having substantially a rectangular shape. (See side walls It at such a point that the top surface Fig. 2.) The shield II is open at the bottom to of theheating element I 2 will be located sl ghtenable a terminal block 32 to be associated therely above the outwardly extending flange SI of th with. Downwardly extending flanges it are 10- pan structure II when the arms 28 rest thereon. cated at either end of the upwardly extending (See Figs} and 5.) main portion 44 and are functionallyintegral The outwardly extending flange 8| located therewith. A top portion 40 is formed integral about th upper edge of the pan structure I 4 has with the upwardly extending portion 44. A plua downwardly extending lip 02 integral therewith rality of apertures II are located therein for to aiford means of retaining the pan structure mrmitting theiree passage of the downwardly 80 I4 upon the range platform or a hot plate surextending heating element II to pass therefacelhinawell known manner. through. ,It is therefore obvious that with the pan The horizontal extendin giper portion 8 of structure It resting upon the supporting platthe terminal shield 30 is, in this instance, spot form II that the radially extendin arms II or protrusion welded to the lower surface of the resting upon the intermediate ledge II are thus U-shaped supporting bracket 28 in a well known capable of supporting the heating element II in The space located within the upwardly extendcated within the outwardly extendin flange ll ing portion 4! and below the horizontal portion of pan H substantially in line with the diametriblock 32 as well as insuring the prevention of the ledge 42 of the U-shaped supporting bracket s illage or sloppage which may be passed, hereinafter describeda through the heating 'element I! from encounter- Pan structure It is adapted t easil lide ing the terminal-ends of the depending end poralong the terminal shield II and upwardly along tions of the heating element II. the end portions It of the U-shaped bracket II Suitable notched supporting brackets It may to permit such pan structure to'be operatively be rigidly attached to the depen ing end porassociated with .the heating elementand assotions 46 of the terminal shield 30 to afford means 50 ciated structures so as to form a workable unit.

against the metallic envelope 24 of the heating y pa a lel to the slot '4. one on either lide element I 2 to afford means for rigidly connecting thereof. and upwardly within the side portions the heating element If to the U-shaped bracket of the pan. These osses are positioned within II. It is therefore obvious that with the heatthe pan structure it so as to rengthen or remg l m nt i2, U-ghgped m; br t is enforce it. The bosses ll formed within the hotand terminal shield 30 rigidly attached togethe tom 84 and upstanding side portions it thus into a substantially functionally integral struetend to prevent the pan structure from gli're, such structure will move as a unitary memas the operator removes it from the heating ele.

The pan structure It comprises, in this in- A entrall located plate 12 ispoaiticned wit h- 'stance,ashallowpanhavingaluhsta ntiallyflat 'inthespiraiedhea element. Thepl'atellis bottom portion I: with a angular-1y lped rigidly attached to the radial arms diametricaliyextendingslotllloeatedtherein flandisposi icnedalightlyb zlowtbeplaneof and. sideportionsllhavinganintcelo uent. (5eeM3,4, 7I-I Idl) some 'cleanable position supporting aaeoaos 3 not; 14 are located therein reipermitting a unit It a: be lowered downwardly'within such U-shaped retractable bracket 1| to be attached thereto. The retractable bracket 1| is an elongated relatively narrow ribbon-like member formed into an inverted U-shaped structure. The depending legs of such U-shaped member Outwardly extending lips or flanges I6 are located upon the lower ends and moved in a vertical direction. How'- movement of an operator as means for lifting from the supporting platform.

When it is desired to clean the pan structure ll of a heating surface or supporting platform, the operator may place her finger, for example, under the vertically movable 'U- ped retractable and apply an'lipwardly extending pressure therein turn lifts the heating unit from the supporting platform It.

Assuming that the unit has the supporting brackets ll associated therewith, such unit must be slightly tilted so as to permit one of the sup-- porting brackets l8 to pass outwardly above the platform It. The second bracket may then be positioned so that the notched portions thereof whereupon the be lowered upon the other side of the supporting platform It to support the heating unit It in an elevated or above the supporting platform. F As the heating unit 10 is'lifted out of the supporting platform l8, the pan structure II will tend to remain in its original position. However, as the unit the lower portion of the gages the bottom portion of the pan structure I4 and lifts such pan structure with the unit so that the pan structure will rest thereon. The

I4 is thus positioned element 12 when the unit is cleanable position to permit be easily removed therefrom. The operator may then grasp the pan structure 14 and readily slide such structure along the longitudinal axis of the terminal shield 30 and diametrically extending slot 54 whereby such pan structure may be readily removed from the heating unit. The pan may then be taken to a suitable dishpan, or the like, and be thoroughly cleaned.

While the heating unit is in an elevated position above the platform the operator may if desired thoroughly clean the heating element l2 and associated parts such-as the U-shaped supporting bracket 28 and the terminal shield 30.

The pan structure H, after being cleaned, may

engagement with the heating element with the slotted portionSd passing along the longitudinal axis of the terminal shield 30. The pan structure I! will thus rest upon the terminal shield 30 as scribed. The operator may then grasp the vertically movable centrally located slightly raise the heating element It so as to free the right and supporting bracket l8 from the bracket it. The unit I may then again be slightly tilted so as to permit the second supporting bracket I! to through the opening within the platform It and to permit heating unit I positioned upon a range bracket I2 II is lifted a suitable distance, 40

terminal shield 38 env somewhat 4 hereinabove debracket and opening.

Before reaching its lowermost position the downwardly extendin lips 62 of the outwardly it of the pan structure ll conil, thereby retaining the pan in its normal operating position rting structure. The radially exupon the out- -10 wardly extending intermediately located ledge n so as to permit the heating element It to rest upon the supporting pan structure M, substan- If it be desired, the surface unit I. may be 15 constructed without having the supporting brackets It associated therewith. Such a unit in a manner hereinabove described.

However, elevated position above of the bracket 10 in order structure (see Fig. 9).

Upon removing the pan structure ll, the unit should be lowered down into form Ii. The outwardly extending flanges H of the upwardly extending end portions 86 of the terminal shield bracket 28 then rest 'upon.

the platform It to support the unit (see Fig. 10)

j To replace the pan structure II, the unit is again lifted by bracket I0 whereupon the pan 30 may readily be slid into place about the element,

as hereinabove described.

It is, therefore, obvious that 10 embodying my invention as hereinabove described, includes a supporting pan structure which is adapted to catch and retain any and all extraneous sloppage or spillage which may pass through the heating element, and is adapted to support the heating element 12 when in its normal operating condition. In addition, such structure may, if desired, include means for retaining the unit in an elevated position so as to permit the supportingpan structure ll to be readily removed from the heating element 5 whereby such pan structure and element'may be thoroughly cleaned.

. Various other modifications may be made in invention without departing scope thereof, and I desire, therefore, that only such limitations shall be placed thereon as are imposed by the prior art and the appended claims.

I claim as my invention:

1. In a heating structure for a range platform, the combination of a substantially circular heating element flat heating surface and depending terminal portions, a unitary pan com- "prising a circular side wall and a flange projecting radially outward from the upper end of the side wall and a bottom wall extending across the lower end of the side. wall, said flange encompassing gaging the range platform pan in normal. position, said pan 5 with a slot extending through the flange, sidewall, and bottom wall of the pan and said slot terminating in the'bottom wall of the pan, and a shield secured to the depending terminal portions of the heating element, said shield being formed to close the slot in the bottom wall of the pan whereby the shield and pan define a complete, heat-reflecting drip receptacle, and said pan being removable from for supportlng the being provided the heating element and the terminal s the direction of the slot when the heating elethe SilPDOl'tiIiS plat- I the heating unit diametrically inwardly hield in ment and shield are raised above their normal bein removable from the heating element and working positions. the te minal shield in the direction of the slot vided with a slot extending diametrically inpen in normal position, said pan be n provided said shield being formed to close the slot in the in: terminal portions of th h ng elemen in the direction or the slot when the heating eieable from t heating m nt n th e m nal working positions. ing element and ahield are raised above their 3. In a heating structure for a range platform, normal Working Po and e a a ly-exthe combination of a. substantially circular heattending Plate movable with e h n element a circular side wall and a flange projecting pending terminal portions, a unitary pan coinand removably engaging the range platform for mp ssine th h at n lem nt and r movably supporting the pan in normal operation, said in the r nge platf m for supporti the pan being provided with a slot extending dipen in normal position, said Dan being provided ametrically inwardly through the flange, side with a Slot n ng ametrically inwardly said shield closing the slot in the bottom wall and mm W811 the D n; whereby the shield and pan defining with the bottom wall a substantia define a substantially uninterrupted, heat-reuninterrupted, heat-reflecting drip receptacle, '50 fl ng drip r p cle, a d a projection carried 4. In a heating structureror a range platform, when th h at no el ment and shield are moved the combination of a substantially circular heatupwardly, said Dan being removable iror'n theing element having, a flat heating surface and a x m nt nd the terminal shield in the element, a unitary pan including a dished bottom 00 18 P si ions.

slot and defining with the dished bottom portion ably the platform for support- 8. In a heating element, said shield being formed to ,close the portion of the slot in the bottom wall 0! the pan, whereby a substantially uninterrupted, heat-reflecting drip receptacle is defined, said pan being removable from merit and the terminal shield in the direction of the slot when the heating element and shield are raised above their normal working positions, and

a plurality oi spaced supports movable with the and shield and engageablewith the platform for supporting the heating element and shield in the elevated position of the heating element and shield.

, heating structure for a range platform, the combination of a substantially circular heat having a flat heating surface and comprising a circular side wall, a flange pro ecting radially outwardly ,from the upper the side wall and a bottom wall extending across the lower end of the side wall, said flange enthe heating eleing element and the reotion oi the slot when compassing the; heating element engaging the range platform for supporting the pan in normal position, supporting means carried by the side wall of said pan, a plurality of radially-extending projections carried by the heating element and engageable with said supin the normal position of the heating element, said pan being provided with wardly through the flange; wall of the pan and a shield secured to the depending terminal portions of the heating element, saidshield being formed to close. the slot in the bottom wall of the pan, whereby a subis defined, said pan and shield are raised above their normal work- 20 mg positions;

WILLIAM J. RUSSELL.

and removably 

